San Bernard study might conflict with effort

By Kim Thai
The Facts

Published July 1, 2007

ANGLETON — Brazoria County commissioners have to decide whether the San Bernard River study will conflict with the already active efforts to widen the river’s mouth.

“We support the study as long as it doesn’t interfere with the ongoing efforts to open the mouth,” said Jan Edwards, a Friends of the River member. “We just can’t wait for another two years; it shouldn’t stop work.”

Many residents from the surrounding areas spoke during the study presentation that said that flooding prevention for the river is long overdue.

Halff Associates Inc. presented its San Bernard River study to Brazoria County commissioners last week detailing the county’s options on how to address flooding — especially at the 1301 bridge right outside of West Columbia.

“You can either do nothing and go to FEMA, buy out property in the surrounding area, have a channel maintenance program, build levees or have a various combination of those alternatives,” said Wes Birdwell, a Halff Associates representative.

Most of the study’s funding will be from Wharton County, but Brazoria County’s share would be $1.28 million if it decides to continue with the study.

“I think this study will be a huge benefit to San Bernard and the people who live in its surrounding communities,” said Pat Webb, president of Friends of the River San Bernard.

Brazoria County already has been working on widening the mouth of the San Bernard River for about three years, a project that has the support of Congressman Ron Paul, R-Lake Jackson, Precinct 1 Commissioner Dude Payne said.

Since commissioners’ court was in workshop session, no action could be taken, but county officials plan to consider it as an agenda item at a future meeting.

Also, the Homeland Preparedness Project still is short on volunteers and needs help with recruitment.

“Help us spread the word,” Project Director Bill Ray said. “It’s to prepare for community disasters and emergencies — having every person responsible for their own safety.”

The project was formed in 2004 to “focus on improving the readiness and safety of the community.” Its goal is to train residents for emergency situations.

Currently, the Medical Reserve Corps has only about 1,100 volunteers toward its goal of 2,500, Ray said. The Community Emergency Response Teams program also is only about halfway to its recruitment goal.

“They help all around the county where we need people filling in — whether it’s directing traffic or delivering information to workers. Anybody can do it,” said Robin Wofford, a consultant for the Homeland Preparedness Project.

The project now allows minor-age volunteers, 14 and older, if they are teamed with a parent, Wofford said.

For information on volunteering, visit www.homelandpreparedness.org.

Kim Thai is a reporter for The Facts. Contact her at (979) 237-0149.